"When you're in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun'."
— Groucho Marx

May 24, 2010

Take a Walk on The Wild Side

Your name is Johnny and you have been in love with June for so many years you can't remember what it was like before her. The two of you had a whirlwind romance that took you both by surprise. It was unexpected and unlooked for, but deeply appreciated.

Together you built a secret world and learned about love on a level that most people never reach. You shared your thoughts, hopes and dreams. You laughed and learned together, held hands and walked through a land of magic. For a long while you were the kind of couple that people described as being disgustingly happy.

For years you ruled your kingdom alongside your queen. It was both magical and mystical. You loved June so damn fiercely that it hurt to be apart from her. You called her your air as she did you. When she told you that no one else could take better care of you than she you smiled and your heart swelled with joy. It was impossible not to smile because you knew that it was true.

So you took her in your arms and promised her the same. You told her that you would love and honor her. You promised to cherish her and protect her. And you did, protect her. There are more than a few occasions upon which you were called upon to ride out the castle gates and meet those who wished her ill.

You didn't care what the situation was or how badly the odds might be stacked against you. If June was threatened you were going to meet the challenge head on and do what was required to remove the danger. It wasn't always easy for her to let you go.

It wasn't just because she worried about Johnny's safety but because of her own independence. June had never needed to rely upon another to take care of her problems. Her approval of Johnny's actions were a testament to how deeply she loved him.

But life happens and things changed. One day Johnny and June left the castle and rode out into the forest. They stood beneath a moonlit sky and held hands. Their quiet moment was interrupted by howling. Johnny looked up and found several pairs of eyes staring back at him. Wolves. Not a wolf, but wolves.

You weren't fazed by the presence of the wolves, not with June standing next to you. You didn't worry about your own safety all you cared about was protecting your queen. So you told her to get on the horse and ride for the safety of the castle walls. And when she protested you told her to stop fighting and to get the hell out.

Grudgingly she mounted your horse and began to ride. Less than a moment later you had your arms wrapped around the body of a wolf. And as you struggled to break his neck the rest of the pack attacked. Rolling in the dirt you wondered if she could hear your screams and hoped not.

Later on you would find yourself lying bloodied and bruised upon the forest floor. There was no sign of the wolves and you had no memory of what had happened to them. So you picked yourself up and wandered back towards the castle. Anxious to see June you maintained a quick pace and it wasn't long before you arrived.

Only this time the castle gates were not open, nor did trumpets blare to herald your return. Instead you were met by silence. The castle was empty. June was gone and there wasn't any sort of note to indicate where, when or why.

It would take time but eventually you would learn that she had moved on to another place. So you'd set out to go meet her there, it never occurring to you that your queen had intentionally moved. It took a long time to get to the new place, but you did find it. And when you did you discovered that June wasn't interested in speaking with you.

You'd come to learn that things had happened and changes had come along with those things. June would tell you that she wasn't going to spend time with you. But because you are Johnny you'd refuse to give up. You'd tell her that you didn't believe her. You'd tell her that you were certain she was still your girl and that she was still in love with you.

You'd tell her that you knew she was pushing you away and that you thought that she was acting like an idiot. But you'd find that you couldn't do much about it because sometimes people have to do things on their own. So you decided to wait. You'd make it clear to June that you still loved her. You'd try and take a long term approach and wait because you were convinced that it wasn't done.

And in the darker moments you'd question your behavior and wonder if you were a fool. But there were also moments where you were certain that you weren't. Love isn't rational and it doesn't work based upon logic. So you'd wait because you remembered the secret world and knew that she did too. You'd wait and watch for the sign that maybe it wasn't all in vain.